Parents ‘too busy’ to read to kids.

Three quarters of Britain’s parents are too busy to read bedtime stories to their children, according to a study.

Worryingly, it also emerged only three per cent of fathers now find the time to read to the kids compared to 89 per cent of mothers.

The majority (87%) blame work commitments, but over a third (34%) said they are just too tired to read to their youngsters.

The poll of 2,000 parents was commissioned by CITV to mark the launch of the children’s show Bookaboo, which encourages parents and children to read together. It found most parents believed bedtime was the best time to read to a child – just 5% read to their youngsters during the day.

Lucy Goodman, creator of Bookaboo, said: “It’s important development wise that young boys are able to share a book with dads, granddads or male carers and it can be fun and rewarding too. Our research is showing that dads are just not finding time to do this.”

Comedian Al Murray, Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden and veteran rock star Meat Loaf are amongst a host of stars will join a drum-playing puppy in a the new CiTV series which helps children and adults to enjoy reading.

The 13-part series starts on March 2  and will be shown at 12:15, 15:20 and 17:50

Press contact: Louisa Bradshaw 0208 206 5151